Harp

The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is proud to be the only K–12 school in the nation with a dedicated harp program, and one of only seven public schools in the U.S. to offer harp instruction.

Students in grades 4–12 receive daily harp ensemble classes as part of their regular schedule—equal in length and importance to their academic courses. Unlike most programs, students do not need prior training on another instrument to begin harp studies.

Private lessons are also available during or after the school day for an additional fee, with scholarships offered to committed students.

Students Study

• Harp ensemble, solo repertoire, etudes, warm-ups, and orchestral works
• Essential harp techniques: string identification, hand position, posture, tuning, string replacement, and instrument care
• Core music skills: note reading, rhythm, dynamics, and musicality

Performance Opportunities

Harp students perform in:

• Two recitals each year
• A collaborative end-of-year concert with the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Harp Society, featuring harpists of all ages in a large ensemble
• String Orchestra (beginning in Harp 3)
• Symphony Orchestra (at the most advanced level)

Course Offerings

Harp 1 (Grades 4–6)
Introductory class for beginners. Focuses on foundational music skills (note reading, rhythm) and basic harp techniques.

Harp 2 (Grades 5–7)
Builds on Harp 1, introducing ensemble repertoire in duets and trios. Students may repeat this course before advancing.

Harp 1A (Grades 7–8, beginners)
Condensed one-year elective combining Harp 1 and 2. Designed for older beginners. Successful completion prepares students for placement into Harp 3 or 3A.

Harp 3 (Grades 6–8)
Introduces the pedal harp and ensemble performance with string orchestra. Students are expected to read and interpret music independently.

Harp 3A (Grades 7–10)
Intermediate/advanced level. Students work on one-per-part ensemble repertoire and study the Concert Grand pedal harp. Independent learning is emphasized.

Harp 4 (Grades 8–12)
The most advanced level. Students perform challenging one-per-part repertoire, participate in the symphony orchestra, and are expected to master independent preparation.

SCPA 3rd Graders: Each year, all 3rd-grade students attend an interactive harp presentation. Interested students may audition later in the year, demonstrating what they learned and participating in a short harp lesson.

Current SCPA Students (Grades 4–5): May audition for a change of major. Audition includes a short lesson and a demonstration of general music knowledge.

Current SCPA Students (Grades 6–7): Encouraged to take Harp 1A before auditioning. Placement into Harp 2–4 requires prior harp experience.

External Students (Grades 3–5): May audition for Harp 1. Audition includes demonstrating general music knowledge and participating in a short harp lesson.

External Students (Grades 6–7): May audition for Harp 1A but must show strong aptitude for the harp.